Review of 2009 - 10

This has been a year of gradual but positive change.

• When the Early Years department finally moved into the new build amidst the snow in January, it proved easier to welcome families into the Foundation classroom once more. The opportunity to use the spacious room and meet with Primary staff and pupils in the corridor was welcomed as an insight to the school as a whole.
• Numbers of families using the provision increased, and although attendance on any one day remains variable, due to the vulnerable age and nature of the children, the group has flourished. There are now 12 families, who attend, and grandparents, friends and dads as well as mums come from time to time.
• Swimming sessions have a balanced approach - some “free” swim time, when parents and children may interact with others and chat/play/splash as they wish, and some structured group rhymes and suggested activities.
• Recently the addition of appropriate music to enhance the experience and sensory appeal of pool lights has been appreciated.
• New families continue to join as word spreads. Good links with the organiser of the child development group at Battledown Centre and joint organisation of a group visit has led to several families becoming regular Bubbles members.
• In addition increased links with the Portage service and dissemination of information by the school’s Physiotherapist has been beneficial.

H.Brewer 24/05/10